Why Hire Only Certified Concrete Pump Operators

Why Hire Only Certified Concrete Pump Operators

We have all seen those monster-size trucks with what appears to be a container rotating on it. Most of us also have seen these trucks at construction sites, disgorging concrete to be used on the site. So, how hard is it to be a concrete pump operator?

“First, a new operator has to learn how to use the machine correctly and safely. Manufacturers want operators to make their equipment look good, even essential. Pump operators must combine the skills of a large truck driver with the fine touch of a computer game whiz. “Operators have to be experts at operating three very different devices: the truck, the boom, and the pump,” says Bob Weatherton of the Concrete Pump Store, Claremont, Calif. “It takes a lot of training.”

Who Trains Pump Operators?

Most training is on-the-job and offered by employers. But, the American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA) has created programs and educational materials that allow concrete pump companies to train on safety and efficiency for pump truck operators and includes the ACPA’s pump operator certification program.

Manufacturers of concrete pumpers offer training for new operators, and one technical school, Autry Technology Center in Enid, Oklahoma has an online program led by an instructor. The program has up to five students and runs for 3 to 4 months. According to Concrete Construction, it is the only higher education concrete pump operator program currently running in the United States.

What is Included in Certification Training?

There is much more involved in being a concrete pump operator than driving a load to a job site and unload. Following are the responsibilities of a concrete pumper driver.

It’s good to know that a certification training for concrete pump operators even teaches about diesel engines. That is something I didn’t expect to see in the list, but I guess it makes sense. I know I would feel much better to be hiring a concrete contractor that has been that extensively trained! If we ever need concrete pumped, we’ll definitely be finding out if a contractor is certified before hiring them.

A professional and certified pump operator would guarantee a better service to you because it is obvious that they are so driven towards excellence that they took this huge effort of upgrading their skills and got certified.

I’m glad you talked about how professional concrete pumping companies supply only the best contractors who follow best practices in job site safety. I want whoever we hire for our concrete project to be as safe as possible so that we don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt. It will be nice to have that peace of mind during our project so that I can be away from home and not have to think about what’s going on with the concrete pumping!